Indy man faces federal sex-trafficking charges

5:07 PM,
Feb. 5, 2014

U.S. Attorney Joe . Hogsett.

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An Indianapolis man faces federal sex trafficking charges after prosecutors say he forced several girls, one a 12-year-old with mental disabilities, into prostitution.

The case against 24-year-old Jerry Mitchell marks only the fourth time, and the first in Southern Indiana, that federal prosecutors have pursued such charges in the Hoosier state.

Prosecuting the case in federal court was an important step toward recognizing sex trafficking as an issue in Indiana, U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said at a news conference Tuesday. He equated the practice to modern-day slavery. ...